Tag Archives: HungarianGP

After an enthralling, if stop start qualifying session in which both wet and dry compound tyres were used. With clear skies and dry weather set to return for the race tomorrow, drivers making appearances in only the opening segment of the session will have plenty of tyres to choose from.

Commenting on the qualifying session and likely strategy for the race tomorrow, Paul Hembery, Pirelli motorsport director: “In a sport that’s thrown up some crazy situations in the past, this was one of the most mixed-up days that we’ve witnessed – but the end result was still a Mercedes one-two. The teams certainly got to try a wide range of our tyres today, and the mixed conditions means that they have a good allocation of unused slicks to choose from tomorrow, which will probably be a two-stop race.”

How the tyres behaved today:Medium: Used minimally in practice but not in qualifying, unlikely to be seen in the race.Soft: Not seen at all in qualifying but will figure prominently in the race strategy.Supersoft: The teams switched straight to this tyre once the track dried up.Intermediate: Used from Q2 onwards, despite the standing water.Full wet: With the circuit waterlogged during Q1, the automatic choice for this session.

Possible race strategies and maximum laps*:

Pirelli recommends that the following numbers of laps are not exceeded on each compound:
Soft = 29 laps
Supersoft = 14 laps

On this basis, the optimal pit-stop strategies predicted by Pirelli are as follows:

QUICKEST
Two-stopper: two stints on soft of 29 laps each + one 12-lap stint on supersoftSECOND-QUICKEST
Three-stopper: three stints on supersoft of 14 laps each + one 28-lap stint on softSLOWEST
Three-stopper: two stints on soft of 24 laps each + two 11-lap stints on supersoft

Speaking in the drivers press conference ahead of the 2016 Hungarian Grand Prix, Sergio Perez gave comment on recent remarks from Force India Team Principle Vijay Mallya that both he and team mate Nico Hulkenberg would remain with the team for the 2017 season;

“I’m very lucky to have many sponsors behind me, so I’m not alone. I don’t decide my future on my own. I need to speak with my group of sponsors to see what is best for our future, and then we will decide. We have some time in the summer break, and then we will decided what is best for my career”

When pushed on the Mallya’s comments around his 2017 agreement with the team Sergio confirmed;

“What Vijay says is correct, but as I said, it depends on my sponsors as well. We will decide together what to do”

With opportunities at Ferrari, Red Bull Racing closed down for 2017 and Mercedes likely to retain it’s current line up, opportunities for Sergio Perez to move to a front running team appear limited. However, neither driver at Williams is confirmed for 2017, whilst this on paper in terms of 2016 standings would appear at best to be a lateral move. A team with the resources of Williams tend to perform strongly in a period of regulation change. The team could be an attractive proposition for the Mexican and is sponsors in 2017.

Mclaren Honda have revealed the full extent to which Fernando Alonso’s shunt during the opening race of the 2016 Formula One World Championship set the team back. In this film from Mobil One’s the grid, Simon Roberts – Operational Director for the team, explains the complexities of component manufacturing & supply planning

Simon explains that in the immediate aftermath of the crash the team sought to access which components could be recovered and from there overlaid the manufacturing planning for new replacement components over and above any other plans. With an F1 car being made up of over 7000 handmade components, manufacturing replacements is not a 3 day job, the impact on production planning following an early season shunt at a point when spare parts are limited has far reaching effects. Simon estimates that changes to production planning impacted the overall plans for the team by as much as 2 months.

Another intriguing element to this film is around the evolution of component design. Revealing that Mclaren Honda are already on their 5th iteration of wheel nut design for the 2016 season, this before the mid point of the season.

The Sauber group have announced a change in ownership. Following the signing of the acquisition agreement with the current shareholders, Longbow Finance S.A. will fully acquire Sauber Holding AG which is the ultimate holding company of the Sauber Group. It is Longbow Finance S.A.’s clear intention to stabilise the group and create the basis for a competitive and successful future. This transaction also secures the continuation of the brand Sauber in Formula One and will open opportunities to further grow the engineering activities of the group. There will be no changes to either the company or the team name.

Peter Sauber will retire from all functions, being succeeded by Pascal Picci as Chairman of Sauber Holding A.G. Monisha Kaltenborn will remain as a member of the Board of Directors and continue to lead the company in her functions as CEO and Team Principal.

Pascal Picci, President & CEO, Longbow Finance S.A.:“As a Swiss company, we are very pleased with having secured the future of a Swiss presence in a highly specialized and innovative industry.”

Monisha Kaltenborn, CEO and Team Principal:“We are very pleased that by reaching an agreement with Longbow Finance S.A., we can secure the future of Sauber at the pinnacle of motorsport. We are convinced that Longbow Finance S.A. is the perfect partner to again make the team competitive and successful in Formula 1. At the same time the new structure will allow us to finally further expand our third party business in which we commercialise our know-how. This solution is in the best interest of our employees, partners, loyal suppliers, the base in Hinwil and for the Swiss motorsport. We are very grateful that Longbow Finance S.A.believes in the competences, efficiency and capabilities of Sauber Group, and we look forward to a new exciting future.”

Peter Sauber, President of the Board of Directors, Sauber Holding AG:“Monisha Kaltenborn and I yesterday signed an agreement which secures the future of the Formula 1 Team and the Sauber Group. I am very happy that my courageous investment to buy the team back, which I made six years ago, with the intention to secure the base in Hinwil and the place in Formula 1 has proved to be correct.”

Ahead of the 2016 Hungarian Grand Prix, JWGP caught up with UK based Brazilian driver Felipe Nasr to discuss his season to date, his views on the halo device and future regulation changes, along with a view on his plans for 2017 and beyond.

As we head towards the mid point in the F1 season, how would you rate your performance so far?

Felipe Nasr: In absolute terms it might look not good, relatively to last year it is not good, but when you look deep into it I think it is a good performance. Together with the Team we managed to do some very good races.

How have you developed as a driver from 2015-2016?

FN: Learning, the popular saying goes, never exhausts the mind! I can say that, I am more excited every day with the developments we have made and those that we have in the pipeline.

From a driver’s perspective can you explain the impact of the challenges Sauber have faced in 2016?

FN: We are a big family and whenever one part of it is suffering, we all suffer together. One impact in one point reverberates everywhere.

How do you approach a race weekend? What motivates you?

FN: Besides the physical preparation a lot of mental focus. The motivation comes from the fact that I am living my dream: to be a F1 driver one of the 22 chosen ones.

What would you say are the key strengths of the 2016 Sauber? Which of the circuits left on the calendar do you expect the car to suit?

FN: We have a good project base from 2015 and with the proper modifications the car can be competitive and score points. We have one update now in Hungary and other packages in races 13 and 14. We are all positively waiting for that.

What would you like to see from your team through the remainder of 2016?

FN: The same enthusiasm and commitment that they showed until now.

What do you think of the 2017 regulation changes? Do you think they will improve racing? Have Sauber started working on the 2017 car?

FN:It is in the F1 DNA to keep changing and improving. For sure the races will have another balance of power, here at Sauber we have not given up on the 2016 car, but we have already thoughts about what the 2017 car will be.

What is your position on the Halo system? Do you think it is the right solution? Is this the right direction for the sport?

FN: A solution has to be found and I am sure that the best one will be chosen.

Looking ahead to 2017, you will be out of contract with Sauber, are you talking to other teams on the grid? If so which?

FN: I have a contract with Sauber until the end of the year, I have to think about the here and the now. Why not to continue here in 2017, after putting so much effort together?

Have the team kept you informed regarding commercial developments to secure the future of the team? Do you believe they will find a solution?

FN: As I said before we are a family and we have to be honest and talk about everything between us, I can assure you that the solution is already there.

Brazil has a strong heritage in motorsport, how important is the continued fan support to you? What do you think about rumours Interlagos may disappear from the calendar?

FN: Brazil also has a very strong tradition about rumours, it is not the first time that the end of Interlagos is announced. I am sure that in the end everything will be arranged.

How would you describe the F1 paddock atmosphere?

FN: Competitive, highly competitive all the time!

Can you give a bit of background as to your Banco do Brasil relationship? how did it come about? what does the partnership mean for you and prospective future developments?

FN: Banco do Brasil started sponsoring me when I still was racing in GP2. They wanted to diversify as they were heavily concentrated on Volleyball. For them it was a very good move and they are very happy both in the promotional and commercial aspects, Motor Racing opened a lot of new opportunities for them and their products all over the World. For me they are fundamental for future developments and plans.

What do you think of racing series such as Formula E or WEC? Would you consider a drive in either of these series after Formula One?

FN: Formula E has [seen] a lot of success and WEC has always been one of the stepping stones of Motor Racing.They are both options for my racing career after F1.

JWGP would like to thank Felipe Nasr for taking time out of his Hungarian GP preparations for this interview. Thanks also to Carlos Lua for facilitating our time together. All the best to Felipe Nasr and the Sauber F1Team for the Hungarian GP and the remainder of the season.

Williams have announced is a new technical partnership with Thales, a leader in critical information systems, cyber security and data protection.

As part of the agreement Thales will deliver state-of-the-art cyber security solutions for real-time global telemetry transmission to both WILLIAMS MARTINI RACING and Williams Advanced Engineering, the engineering services and technology division of Williams.

Speaking about the new partnership Marc Darmon, Executive Vice-President, Secure Communication and Information Systems for Thales said; “Thales is a world class cyber security expert and a globally recognised systems integrator, delivering safety and security critical systems in challenging environments such as Aerospace, Space, Defence, Finance, IT and Technology and Ground Transportation. This agreement builds on the already strong existing relationship between our two companies and our combined skills and expertise. It clearly illustrates Thales’s commitment to accompany its clients in their digital transformation where cyber security is a vital requirement.”

Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal and Commercial Director of Williams, added; “Williams has undergone a significant digital transformation over the past two years. We are revolutionising our IT infrastructure to make sure that we are well placed to continue innovating. With the help of Thales, we will be introducing cyber security systems that keep our data secure from wherever we are in the world.”

As a technical partnership Thales branding will not feature in the team environment or on the car livery.

For more information on Thales click here or follow Thales on Twitter here

Lewis Hamilton heads into the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend only one point behind his teammate and championship leader Nico Rosberg. As teams head toward the mid season break, with 9 wins between them the drivers have dominated the 2016 championship. However, if either of them want to translate their success into the world championship, history suggests they do not want to win the Hungarian Grand Prix this Sunday.

The Hungarian Grand Prix has developed somewhat of a reputation for producing unexpected race results. In fact, not since the 2004 Grand Prix has the winner in Hungary gone on to lay claim to the World Championship. What’s more only twice in that period has the championship winning constructor sealed victory in Hungary.

The circuit is often referred to as an oversized go karting track with minimal straights and extremely limited overtaking opportunities. A Monaco without the yachts. On paper the circuit should lend itself to the strengths of the Red Bull Racing duo. That being said, the Hungarian Circuit has been entirely resurfaced for 2016, we saw in Baku that Red Bull Racing appear to struggle with tyre performance on a fresh tarmac. This may play into the hands of Scuderia Ferrari who are yet to seal a victory in 2016. With rumours of increasing senior management pressures a win in Hungary would go a long way for the team. Sebastian Vettel secured his second victory for the Scuderia around the circuit in 2015.

The European summer has officially kicked into high gear over the past week, with this weather forecasts for Friday and Saturday in Hungary suggest a scorcher, however with heat in Europe, comes storms, long range forecasts suggest the race on Sunday could be interrupted by heavy rain. If this proves to be the case the drivers at Scuderia Toro Rosso, and previous race winner Jenson Button could spring a surprise.

Scuderia Toro Rosso have announced a new partnership with Acronis, a global leader in hybrid cloud data protection, for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

“We are very happy that Acronis has chosen to our team to celebrate the speed and technological excellence of Acronis Backup 12, for a one-off partnership in occasion of the Hungarian race in Budapest on July 24” commented our Team Principal, Franz Tost

Formula 1 is the fastest and most technologically advanced data intensive sport on earth, and with the world’s fastest data protection speeds, Acronis demonstrates a perfect fit.

If you don’t blink, you may see the Acronis logo stamped on the side of our STR11 racing past your eyes at the Hungaroring this weekend. Before the car completes one full lap, Acronis Backup 12 users will be able to restore more than five servers. With the world’s fastest data recovery time of less than 15 seconds, Acronis Backup 12 is a new solution giving businesses and IT managers more control over their data and workloads than ever before.

According to the latest report released by Network Testing Labs this week, Acronis Backup 12 has largely outperformed other competitors. It only takes 35.6 minutes to back up a 180GB virtual machine with Acronis, compared to higher numbers with anything else on the market. This makes Acronis Backup 12 the fastest data protection technology in the world.

To mark the achievement and as part of the broader partnership negotiations, Acronis selected Scuderia Toro Rosso as the launch partner for Acronis Backup 12.

Shaving milliseconds from the lap time can make the difference between winning and losing. Reducing data recovery time from the industry-standard of 15 minutes to less than 15 seconds can make the difference between business success and demise.

“Acronis is a cutting edge and forward looking company, growing rapidly in the field of data protection, which links very well with our sport. This cooperation will see Acronis and us work well and progress together,” said Scuderia Toro Rosso driver, Daniil Kvyat.

“Scuderia Toro Rosso competes in the highest category of Motorsport and Acronis subscribes to its philosophy of success – focusing on a combination of personal ingenuity, team unity and cutting-edge technologies and engineering. We are proud to be associated with Scuderia Toro Rosso as the main launch partner for Acronis Backup12,” said Serguei Beloussov, Acronis’ Founder and CEO.

JWGP Comment“as this press release suggests Acronis are using the Hungarian Grand Prix to evaluate the impact of sponsorship with a view to a more significant partnership within Formula One. The brand will be monitoring fan awareness of the partnership and any increased traffic towards Acronis social media channels and websites. In addition they will be monitoring new commerical opportunities from a B2B perspective through interactions arising from within the paddock. STR and the agency introducing this partnership will no doubt have lined up numerous senior leadership meetings with other bluechip organisations represented on the F1 grid”

Following the flat-out straights and fast corners of Silverstone is the tight and twisty Hungaroring: two circuits that could not be any more different. The medium, soft and supersoft tyres have been nominated for Hungary: statistically the most popular combination of the year so far, which was last used in Baku. The Hungaroring has been described as being like an oversized go-kart track, and adding to the challenge of the first circuit ever to stage a grand prix behind the Iron Curtain exactly 30 years ago are weather conditions that can range from extremely hot (a common occurrence) to rain (which was the case two years ago, as well as 2011).

THE CIRCUIT FROM A TYRE POINT OF VIEW:

There’s only one real straight on the Hungaroring, which means tyres are constantly working.

The emphasis is on mechanical grip, as a low average speed means there is little downforce.

Drivers describe the Hungaroring as one of the year’s most physically demanding circuits.

Hungary starts another back-to-back weekend, with the teams then going straight to Germany.

THE THREE NOMINATED COMPOUNDS:

White medium: a mandatory set that must be available for the race, low working range.

Yellow soft: another mandatory set whose versatility will make it a popular race tyre.

Red supersoft: used for qualifying but it’s not yet clear how much they will figure in the race.

PAUL HEMBERY, PIRELLI MOTORSPORT DIRECTOR:

“Hungary provides a very different type of challenge to what we’ve seen at Silverstone, but some of the teams used the recent Silverstone test to try out a few ideas that could be relevant to the Hungaroring, so it will be interesting to see what effect this has. The track has been completely resurfaced, and we saw in Austria that this had quite a profound influence as well: we will need to see if this is case in Hungary too, so free practice will be very important.”

WHAT’S NEW?

The track has been entirely resurfaced and the circuit infrastructure upgraded this year.

There is also some new kerbing and run-off areas while the effect of the resurfacing has additionally been to smooth out some of the bumps. This should culminate in faster lap times.